New internet radio player to allow song search

The UK Radioplayer, due for launch early next year, is a pop-up console that will stream more than 400 licensed national, local, community and student radio stations.

Users will also be able to search every station on the network, identifying news programmes, sports highlights, musical genres or even individual songs, using a new search engine designed specifically for radio.

Stations who join the Radioplayer will be able to accompany their live streams with additional material of their choice, such as click-to-buy music services.

Heads of Terms for the project have been signed by the BBC, commercial radio body RadioCentre, Global Radio and Guardian Media Group. All BBC radio services will be included in the player, subject to the Corporation's approvals process.

The service will initially be available through desktop computers, with later versions intended for smartphones and other internet-connected devices like IPTVs.

BBC Audio & Music Tim Davie explains, "This is a really exciting development and a result of focused, collaborative thinking within the radio industry. The aim of this service is to grow listening across the industry and help preserve radio's unique position."